Mixing and grinding apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mixing and grinding apparatus comprising a bucket-like container having a centrally positioned, elongate, spindle-rod extending from the container base axially into the container cavity, and a cutting blade assembly defining an elongate, tubular shaft having a transverse cutting blade affixed thereto, the internal diameter of the tubular shaft larger than the diameter of the spindle-rod to be receivable thereover for rotation therearound. Rotative power for driving the cutting blade assembly is provided by a standard electric drill. The spindle-rod acts as a guide for the cutting blade assembly during rotation, insuring the maintainance of its axial alignment in the container as it is longitudinally displaced during mixing and grinding.

United States Patent [191 Rohmer MIXING AND GRINDING APPARATUS Frank D. Rohmer, 253 8th Ave., San Francisco, Calif. 941 18 Mar. 30, 1972 [76] Inventor:

[22] Filed:

211 App]. No.: 239,502

[52] U.S. Cl. 24l/l99.12 [51] Int. Cl. B02c 13/00 [58] Field of Search 241/46 R, 46.17,

241/100, 101 R, 191,258, 277, 278 R, 199.12; 146/68 A; 259/102, 103, 106, 107, 108, 111, 112, 113, 114

[111 3,761,026 [451 Sept. 25, 1973 Primary ExaminerGranville Y. Custer, Jr. Att0mey-Lawrence Edelman [5 7] ABSTRACT A mixing and grinding apparatus comprising a bucketlike container having a centrally positioned, elongate, spindle-rod extending from the container base axially into the container cavity, and a cutting blade assembly defining an elongate, tubular shaft having a transverse cutting blade affixed thereto, the internal diameter of the tubular shaft larger than the diameter of the spindle-rod to be receivable thereover for rotation therearound. Rotative power for driving the cutting blade assembly is provided by a standard electric drill. The spindle-rod acts as a guide for the cutting blade assembly during rotation, insuring the maintainance of its axial alignment in the container as it is longitudinally displaced during mixing and grinding.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 1 MIXING AND GRINDING APPARATUS This invention relates to a mixing, device, and more particularly to a mixing and grinding apparatus for shredding leaves, household garbage, and the like.

Presently, there is no suitable means for disposing of dead leaves other than by burning, or by dumping on compost heaps for decay and future use as fertilizer. Similarly, organic materialssuch as kitchen garbage or fish wastes are simply burned or dumped in. garbage dumps or at sea, dumping on compost heaps disfavored because of the exceedingly pungent, disagreeable odors generated. With the mixing and grinding apparatus. of this invention, an alternative is provided; Dead leaves can be quickly ground and shredded for immediate application to lawns. and gardens. Organic materials, e.g. household garbage, can be emulsified so finely and thoroughly that the resulting liquidized mixture can undergo immediate decomposition, leaving no odors, and thus facilitating its use as a fertilizing agent.

The mixing and grinding appartus of this invention comprises a hollow, bucket-like container having a centrally positioned, elongate, spindle-rod extending axially upward from the base of the bucket into the bucket cavity. A cutting blade assembly comprising an elongate, tubular shaft having a transverse cutting blade adjacent to its first end is rotatably receivable over the upwardly disposed spindle-rod. The tubular shaft, in turn, is releaseably coupled at its second end to a standard electric drill which furnishes the rotative power for driving the assembly. During the cutting and grinding operation, the cutting blade assembly can be longitudinally displaced along'the central axis of the bucket to improve mixing efficiency.

The spindle-rod serves as a bearing guide for the rotating cutting blade assembly, thus insuring its central positioningwithin the bucket during longitudinal displacement. Operational safety is improved since the blades of the assembly cannot accidentally impinge upon the bucket walls with the resultant possibility of loss of control, or the further possibility the spinning assembly might jump out of the bucket. This safety feature is especially important when shredding rougher material such as twigs, small limbs, and other garden debris.

By affording safe longitudinal displacement of the cutting blade assembly, the mixing apparatus of this invention offers the further advantage of being useable with lower powered drills of the type commonly found in the home. Because the cutting blade assembly may be vertically displaced while maintaining its central axial alignment, the assembly may be safely activated in a raised position near the top of the bucket. Once activated, it can be lowered and raised within the bucket while smoothly rotating about the spindle-rod. In grinding, the material can be placed in the bucket and the cutting blade assembly placed in position thereover. Since the blade is not embedded in the material before activation of the drill, less torque is required to being it up to operating speed. A lower powered drill can thus be used than would otherwise be required if the blade of the assembly was embedded at start-up.

The cutting blade assembly may be directly coupled to the electric drill, or indirectly through a connecting drive shank to provide a quick connect-disconnect coupling. In the latter arrangement, a right angle slot extends longitudinally from the the second end of the shaft and is sized to receive a transverse engaging pin 2. protruding from thedrive shank. When thedrill isactivated, the shank rotates the pininto the transverse; foot of theslot to effect a secure coupling during themixing operation.

In. an alternative embodiment of this, invention, the cutting blade assembly is rotatably aflixed to the base of the bucket at the center thereof, as is more fully described. hereinafter. Although vertical displacement of the cutting blade assembly is not possible, central alignmentduring operation is assured. The apparatus of this embodiment is particularly suitable for blending and emulsifying of liquids, although it can also be used in grinding leaves, twigs, comstalks, and the like.

The mixing and cutting apparatus of this invention, will be more fully understood, as hereinafter set forth, in conjunction with the following figures wherein:

FIG.1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the mixing apparatus coupled to a portable, hand-held electric drill;

FIG. 2 is a sectioned, side-view of the bucket illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side-plan of the connecting drive shank for coupling the cutting blade assembly and drill;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view; of the cutting blade assembly showing the cutting blade configuration in plan;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of an alternative cutting blade configuration for use in the apparatus of this. invention; and,

FIG. 6 is apartial, sectioned side view of the alternative embodiment of this invention wherein the cutting blade assembly is, rotatibly secured to the base of the mixing apparatus.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a mixing apparatus 10 is shown comprising a hollow, tapered bucket 12 having a centrally disposed spindle-rod 14,

said spindle rotatably receiving a cutting blade assembly 19 thereover. Rotative power for the assembly is provided by electric drill 30.

Rigid, elongate spindle-rod 14, centrally disposed within the bucket extends perpendicularly and axially upward into the bucket cavity from the bucket base 16. Although spindle-rod 14 may be of any convenient length, preferably it extends upwardly to nearly the lip 18 of bucket 12, permitting greater longitudinal displacement of the cutting blade assembly during the grinding operation, as more fully described hereinafter. The rod may be secured to the bucket base by any practical means such as by bolting, as illustrated, welding, or the like.

Cutting blade assembly 19 comprises a tubular sleeve or shaft 20 having an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the spindle-rod, and is rotatably receiveable thereover. The first end 26 of shaft 20 is coupled to the rotative power source. Adjacent to its second end 27, cutting blade 22 is affixed, said blade having a pair of oppositely faced, beveled, cutting edges 24. While the cutting blade 22 may be of rectangular configuration in top elevation as shown in FIG. 4, it is to be understood that other types of cutting blade configurations may be used in the mixing and grinding apparatus of this invention. One such alternative configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5.

One or more cutting blades may be afiixed to tubular shaft 20 anywhere therealong. Positioning and cutting angle is not critical although preferably the blade should be carried transversely adjacent the second end of the shaft to permit more thorough mixing at the bottom of the bucket. The overall transverse dimension of the blade 22 should, quite obviously, be less than the minimum diameter of bucket 12 near its base so the extremeties of the blade do not come into contact with the sides of the bucket during the mixing and grinding operation.

Rotative power for driving the cutting blade assembly is provided by any motor source. However, for reasons of efficiency and economy, it is preferable to use a stan dard, hand-held electric drill of the type commonly found in the home or workshop. Such a drill 30, shown illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a motor housing 32, a power cord 34 for connecting the motor to household current, and a chuck 36. In the form illustrated, chuck 36 is of the type that is opened and closed by rotating collar 38, causing closing or opening of the tapered, engaging fingers 40.

Shaft may be directly coupled to drill 30, provided the first, or engaging end 26 is of a suitable diameter to be directly receiveable within the engaging fingers of drill 30. Alternatively, it may be coupled through connecting means 42. As shown in FIG. 3, connecting means 42 comprises a drive shank 44 of a diameter sized at one end for engagement within a standard drill chuck such as that of a quarter-inch or half-inch drill. The shank diameter at its other end is smaller than the internal diameter of sleeve 20 so as to be insertable therein. Adjacent its other end and projecting therefrom is transverse engaging pin or post 46. Right angle slot 50 is cut in the wall of said shaft and extends first longitudinally from engaging end 26 along shaft 20 and then transversely therealong in the direction of shaft rotation. It is of a width slightly greater than the diameter of the engaging pin so as to easily but securely receive said pin.

To effect coupling'of the drill and shaft 20, drive shank 44 is first chucked into the drill through engaging fingers 40. The other end of shank 42 is inserted into shaft 20, transverseengaging pin 46 guided into the longitudinal stern of slot 50. When the drill is turned on, pin 46 will rotate into the transverse foot of the right angle slot and remain in that position so long as the drill is running. Cutting blade assembly 19 may thus be raised and lowered within the bucket during mixing and grinding without disengagement of the drive shank. When the drill is turned off, shank 44 slows its rotation, transverse engaging pin 46 slides back to the stem of the slot, and then easily disengages therefrom. Accordingly, coupling means 42 provides a quick connectdisconnect feature.

Cover 51 prevents spillage and flying out of materials as they are mixed and ground within the bucket. It comprises a circular disk 52 of a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the bucket at its mouth. Cover handles 54 provide a convenient gripping means to facilitate insertion and removal of cover 51. Circular cover opening 56 receives the projecting portion of the shaft when the cover is in place. Top bearing 58 in opening 56 is of a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of tubular sleeve 20 to permit free rotation of the shaft, while also serving as an axial positioning guide. The bearing may be made from any suitable material such as rubber or teflon. Clip 59, affixed to cover 51, serves as a holder for connecting means 42 when the apparatus is in storage.

Cover 51 may be provided with aresilient outside gasket ring (not shown) to absorb top bearing vibrations and provide an anti-splash or water seal when emulsifying materials. The presence or absence of such a gasket, however, is not essential to the operation of the mixing apparatus.

As an optional feature, a stirrup 60 is provided for steadying the bucket during the mixing and grinding operation. This stirrup comprises a hinge 62 and a first and second tab 64 and 66. Tab 64 is secured to the side of bucket 12 such as by welding or riveting. Tab 66, on the other hand, is free to rotate about hinge 62. During use, the operator can fold down tab 66 and rest his foot thereover to effect a steadying of the bucket.

In FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of this invention is illustrated wherein the cutting blade assembly is rotatably secured to the bucket base. In this embodiment, central axial positioning of the assembly is assured though vertical displacement is not possible. With particular reference to the drawing, a modified shaft 70 is shown having a transverse cutting blade 72. Shaft 70 is internally threaded at its one end 74 to receive a threaded spindle 76. Spindle 76 in turn is rotatably secured to the base 16 through collar 80, tie-down cup 82, and bolt 84. The tie-down cup, having a circular opening 86 through which spindle 76 passes, is internally threaded at its open end and turned down over threaded bolt 84. The free end 85 of spindle 76 is received by the circular recess 88 in bolt 84 and is rotatable therein. The collar on spindle 76 prevents passage of end 85 of the spindle through the opening 86 in the tie-down cup, thus assuring rotatable engagement of the assembly and bucket base during operation.

In mixing and grinding, the bucket is filled with material to be ground such as leaves, twigs, branches or the like. The tubular sleeve is then threaded over the spindle-rod and its engaging end 26 connected to drill 30. Cutting is commenced by activating the drill and continued until the mix has been thoroughly shredded, ground, masticated or emulsified. The cutting blade assembly can be lowered and raised during this operation to facilitate grinding.

By raising the blade above the material to be ground at start-up, less torque is required to bring the cutting blade assembly up to operational speed. Once at full speed, the shaft and blade may then be thrust down into the material. Such operation allows the use of smaller horsepower drills as less start-up power is required.

Several further modifications of the mixing apparatus of this invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. Where the apparatus is to be used for the grinding of solid materials, small holes may be placed in the side and bottom of the bucket. In this modification, the bucket can also be used as a spreader. If a reversible direction drill is to be used, the cutting blade can be beveled on both sides. With such a drill, the slot at the engaging end of the transverse shaft will have a transverse foot extending in both directions, giving the slot an inverted T appearance. It should be understood that the containers used with the apparatus of this invention need not have tapered sides as illustrated. However, suitable attachment means must be provided on cover 51 to maintain it near or over the top of the container where other than tapered containers are employed. One such type of attachment means, illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, uses a conventional draw latch 90, having a draw bar 92 and handle 94, in combination with overlapping battens 96. The battens are bolted, riveted, or spot welded to the disk 52 of top 50. The drawbar of the latch clamps the batten to the rim 18 of the container. To open the latch from the closed position as illustrated, the handle 94 is merely rotated upwards until the draw bar lifts away from the batten. At least two latches should be used to secure the cover, though more may be employed if desired.

An important feature of this invention is its simplicity of design. It requires no special skills to operate or assemble. Maintainance costs and down time are reduced to a minimum. Additionally, the cutting and mixing blade can be sharpened and kept sharp with a simple file.

This invention has substantial ecological value in that it permits the homeowner and gardener to recycle garden debris with minimum effort and time. Most importantly, in its finely chopped or emusified form, such gargen debris may be readily and speedily assimilated. Further, direct recycling and composting eliminates the need to dump the material as useless debris, thus, not destroying one valuable resource with another. While this invention may be used to grind and shred leaves, dead annual growth, etc., and mix various materials, liquid or dry, and simultaneously grind and screen organic and other materials, it has the additional unique ability to emulsify common household garbage, including vegetable peelings, table scraps, coffeegrounds, egg shells, etc., rich in organic material. It will emulsify these materials so finely and thoroughly that the resultant liquified and emulsified mixture can be scattered directly onto the soil surface for immediate decomposition and soil assimilation. It does so without a trace of disagreeable odor or other evidence that garbage has been used.

While recycling of organic materials using the mixer of this invention cuts down on dumping of waste products, it also reduces capital outlay for the purchaser to an absolute minimum. It saves the homeowner substantial sums by reducing the need to purchase commercial fertilizers or soil conditioners, which in turn can themselves be pollutants.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of this invention as limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A mixing and grinding apparatus comprising: a hollow container closed at its one end and open at its other to define an open container cavity; and elongate, spindle-rod centrally positioned within the container and extending from the closed end thereof axially into said cavity; a cutting blade assemble comprising an elongate tubular shaft having a first and second end, the internal diameter of said shaft larger than the diameter of said spindle-rod so as to be vertically slidable and rotatably receivable thereover; at least one outwardly projecting cutting blade means affixed to said shaft; and, coupling means for releaseably connecting said tubular shaft at its first end to a vertically movable source of rotative power for rotatably driving said blade assembly, and for vertically sliding said blade assembly on said spindle-rod.

2. The mixing and grinding apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cutting blade means projects transversely from said tubular shaft.

3. The mixing and grinding apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cutting blade means is affixed to said tubular shaft adjacent its second end. a

4. A mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus fo leaves, twigs, household garbage, and the like comprising: a hollow, bucket-like container having a rim, side, and bottom walls, said walls defining an open container cavity; an elongate spindle-rod contrally disposed in said container, and extending from the bottom of said container axially upward into the container cavity; an elongate, tubular shaft having a first and second end, the internal diameter of said tubular shaft larger than the diameter of the spindle-rod to permit vertically slidable and rotatable engagement thereover; at least one transversely projecting cutting blade means affixed to and extending from said tubular shaft adjacent its second end; and, connecting means extending from the first end of said tubular shaft for releaseable coupling of said shaft to a vertically movable source of rotative power for rotatably driving said shaft and vertically sliding said shaft on said spindle-rod.

5. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said source of rotative power is a standard, electric drill.

6. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 5 wherein said connecting means comprises in combination a right angle slot in thewall of the tubular shaft, said slot having a longitudinal portion which extends from the first end of said shaft in the direction of said second end, and a transverse portion at-the end of said longitudinal portion which extends in the direction of drill rotation; and an elongate shank, one end of which is sized to be received within the chuck of the drill, the other end of a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular shaft to be receivable therein, said shank having a transverse engaging pin projecting from said shank adjacent the other end, the diameter of the pin smaller than the aperture of the slot so as to be projectable therethrough, whereby a safe and secure coupling for both rotative and longitudinal displacement of the tubular shaft is effected when the pin is positioned within the transverse portion of said slot.

7. Themixing, grinding, and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said transverse cutting blade means comprises a single cutting blade of rectangular plan in top elevation.

8. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus additionally includes a foot-stirrup adjacent the bottom of the container and attached to the outside sidewall thereof, said stirrup comprising a hinge, and first and second tabs, said hinge disposed at the bottom of the container side wall with said first tab affixed to said side wall and said second tab rotatible about said hinge, whereby the second tab can be folded down to facilitate the steadying of the apparatus during the mixing and grinding operation.

9. The mixing, grinding, and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus additionally includes a projection of said shaft therethrough. 

1. A mixing and grinding apparatus comprising: a hollow container closed at its one end and open at its other to define an open container cavity; and elongate, spindle-rod centrally positioned within the container and extending from the closed end thereof axially into said cavity; a cutting blade assemble comprising an elongate tubular shaft having a first and second end, the internal diameter of said shaft larger than the diameter of said spindle-rod so as to be vertically slidable and rotatably receivable thereover; at least one outwardly projecting cutting blade means affixed to said shaft; and, coupling means for releaseably connecting said tubular shaft at its first end to a vertically movable source of rotative power for rotatably driving said blade assembly, and for vertically sliding said blade assembly on said spindle-rod.
 2. The mixing and grinding apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cutting blade means projects transversely from said tubular shaft.
 3. The mixing and grinding apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cutting blade means is affixed to said tubular shaft adjacent its second end.
 4. A mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus for leaves, twigs, household garbage, and the like comprising: a hollow, bucket-like container having a rim, side, and bottom walls, said walls defining an open container cavity; an elongate spindle-rod contrally disposed in said container, and extending from the bottom of said container axially upward into the container cavity; an elongate, tubular shaft having a first and second end, the internal diameter of said tubular shaft larger than the diameter of the spindle-rod to permit vertically slidable and rotatable engagement thereover; at least one transversely projecting cutting blade means affixed to and extending from said tubular shaft adjacent its second end; and, connecting means extending from the first end of said tubular shaft for releaseable coupling of said shaft to a vertically movable source of rotative power for rotatably driving said shaft and vertically sliding said shaft on said spindle-rod.
 5. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said source of rotative power is a standard, electric drill.
 6. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 5 wherein said connecting means comprises in combination : a right angle slot in the wall of the tubular shaft, said slot having a longitudinal portion which extends from the first end of said shaft in the direction of said second end, and a transverse portion at the end of said longitudinal portion which extends in the direction of drill rotation; and an elongate shank, one end of which is sized to be received within the chuck of the drill, the other end of a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular shaft to be receivable therein, said shank having a transverse engaging pin projecting from said shank adjacent the other end, the diameter of the pin smaller than the aperture of the slot so as to be projectable therethrough, whereby a safe and secure coupling for both rotative and longitudinal displacement of the tubular shaft is effected when the pin is positioned within the transverse portion of said slot.
 7. The mixing, grinding, and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said transverse cutting blade means comprises a single cutting blade of rectangular plan in top elevation.
 8. The mixing, grinding and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus additionally includes a foot-stirrup adjacent the bottom of the container and attached to the outside sidewall thereof, said stirrup comprising a hinge, and first and second tabs, said hinge disposed at the bottom of the container side wall with said first tab affixed to said side wall and said second tab rotatible about said hinge, whereby the second tab can be folded down to facilitate the steadying of the apparatus during the mixing and grinding operation.
 9. The mixing, grinding, and emulsifying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus additionally includes a circular cover, and means for securing the cover to said container adjacent its rim, said cover having a central circular aperture therein of a diameter greater than the overall diameter of the tubular shaft to permit rotatable projection of said shaft therethrough. 